Electrical component mounting and connection terminal block



Sept. 21, 1965 R, c. ROTHWEILER ETAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENT MOUNTING AND CONNECTION TERMINAL BLOCK Filed May 7, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENIOR. W e f Fig 5,

/15 ,4 7" MA /v5)? Sept. 21, 1965 c. ROTHWEILER ETAL 3,207,956

ELECTRICAL COMPONENT MOUNTING AND CONNECTION TERMINAL BLOCK Filed May 7, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig INVENTOR. We W United States Patent H 3,207,956 ELECTRICAL COMPONENT MOUNTING AND CONNECTION TERMINAL BLOCK Richard C. Rothweiler, WauWatosa, Erik J. Nielsen,

Mequon, and Robert C. Mierendorf, Wauwatosa, Wis.,

assignors to Square D Company, Park Ridge, Ill., a corporation of Michigan .Filed May 7, 1962, Ser. No. 192,752 7 Claims. (Cl. 317119) This invention relates to terminal blocks and particularly to terminal blocks for power circuits. For purposes of illustration, the invention is disclosed herein as embodied in terminal blocks as generally described in the Van Valkenburg et al. United States Patent No. 2,981,- 922, issued April 25, 1961, its use with other blocks being apparent from the illustrative example.

It is common practice to provide terminal blocks for at least one line of a power circuit. As described in the above patent, the blocks may be mounted in a row in face to face relation on a suitable support and clamped firmly in the row. Each block has a through metal bar connector with means at each of its ends for connection of wires thereto. All of the connectors are connected at one end in parallel to one side of a power circuit. The other end of each connector is arranged for connection to a wire leading to one terminal of a piece of equipment to be connected to the power circuit. Generally the other terminal of the piece of equipment is connected to a common line forming the opposite side of the power circuit. It quite often happens that changes or interruptions occur in the circuity of which the connectors of the different blocks form a part. Accordingly, electrical devices responsive to the condition of the circuit through the connector are employed. 1 -In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the device is shown as a pilot light which indicates failure of the circuit, and the blocks are arranged so that each accommodates a readily removable pilot light.

To energize the pilot light of each block while its connector is in an energized circuit, a common conductor for all of the blocks, connected to the side of the power circuit opposite from the side connected to the connector, is provided. The circuity is arranged so that a pilot light can readily be inserted into each block and supported thereby with its terminals connected to the connector and the common conductor, respectively.

An object of the invention is to provide a terminal .block .in which, in addition to its connector, a common conductor element extends endwise through the block, is insulated from the main connector, and has exposed ends accessible at the opposite end faces of the block. As a result, when a plurality of blocks are arranged in a row in an operating position wherein they are in end :to end engaged relation, and are clamped in the operating'position, the exposed ends of the common conductor lelements of'each block interengage with like elements .of adjacent blocks .to form a continuous, uninterrupted through conductor common to a row of blocks.

A simple and eifective means is provided for connecting a selected block of the row to the opposite side of the power circuit from thecthers, and connecting its connectorto its common conductor element whereby one of the blocks connects the common conductor of the row to the opposite side of the line from that to which the conriecto rs of the other blocks areconnected.

Various specific objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, wherein reference is made to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 .is a top .plan view of a block embodying the principles of the present invention;

3,207,956 Patented Sept. 21, 1965 FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on a line 2 -2 in FIG. 1;

, FIG. 3 is a right end elevation of a block illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional View taken on line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top plan view of an assembly of blocks showing their use in a typical circuit;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pilot light suitable for use with the terminal block;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the pilot light;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation of the pilot light; and

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are a top plan view, front elevation, and right elevation, respectively, of the common ground plug used in one of the terminal blocks of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, each block comprises a body 1 of insulating material shaped to provide vertical barriers 2 at one end of a block, a pair of barriers 3 and 4 spaced vertically to receive therebetween, with an interference fit, a suitable connector 5 which is insertable edgewise in the slot from the end face of the block opposite to the barriers 2. The block is provided with a pair of open end sockets 6 and prongs 7. The sockets 6 of one block are arranged to receive complementary prongs 7 of a duplicate block, when a plurality of duplicate blocks are assembled in a row, .for holding the blocks in proper edgewise relation to each other.

The block is provided at its bottom with a downwardly open channel 8 which, near its base, has two lateral channels 9. The channel 8 is adapted to receive a channel shaped supporting bar 10 having lateral marginal flanges 11 which are received inthe channels 9 respectively. The flanges 11 are of such width and so spaced that the block can be placed on the top of the bar 10 by rocking it slightly about a horizontal axis extending generally endwise of the bar 10, engaging'one .ofthe flanges 11 of the support 10 in one of the channels 9- for the full width of the inserted flange 11, rocking the block downwardly about said axis into horizontal position until the other flange 11 is aligned with the other channel 9, and then centering the channel 8 on the bar 10 so that each flange 11 is engaged for part of itswidth with its corresponding associated channel 9. Each connector 5 is provided at each end'with a suitable connecting clamp 12, screw 13, and lock washer 14, by which it is connected to wires of a circuit. i i i 7 As illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of these blocks are'ar-ranged side by side on the bar 10 in face to face relation with the prongs 7 of one block received in the sockets 6 .of the next adjacent block. The blocks are held in position on the bar 10 by means of suitable end clamps 16 which are pushed firmly against the opposite ends of the row of blocks and held by suitable screws 17 set firmly in place endwise offthe bar. The blocks, clamps, and bar thus provide, in effect, a unitary terminal structure. A e

The ,connectors 5 of the blocks are connected in parallel to one side L of a power source, as by connecting wires 18. The other end of each connector .isco nnected by a lead wire to a suitable piece of electrical equipment.

The structure thus far described is essentially that of the abovecntitled patent. i M

However, failures may occur in the operating circuits of the equipment. In order to indicate the condition of the circuit through the connector 5 of a given block, a device operable in responseto the condition of the circuit is provided. In the form illustrated, the device is a pilot light 20 which, when ignited, indicates an jenergized circuit established through the connector 5 of the particular ice terminal block. t

The pilot lights are preferablyincandescent bulbs.

' connector 5.

pilot light may need to be replaced because of failure, or because it is to be replaced with another device. Accordingly, each of the blocks is provided with quickly detachable contact means for securing its pilot light 20 across the lines L and L The means for this purpose comprise a suitable power socket 21.

The socket 21 opens at one edge of the block 1 so that it is readily accessible from the same edge as the screws 13. Mounted within the socket 21 is a resilient spring contact strip 22, the upper end of which has an interference fit in suitable grooves 23 arranged near the top edge of the body at one side wall of the socket. The lower end of the strip 22 is in electrical conducting contact with the For this purpose the conductor may have a suitable notch 24 therein at the lower end of the strip 22, and the strip 22 may be in resilient contact with the connector at one edge of the notch 24. This strip 22 provides a contact terminal for establishing a connection between one terminal of the pilot light and the line L through the connector 5. At the opposite wall of the socket 21 there is provided another contact 25 which is arranged for contact with the opposite terminal of the pilot light for connecting it in a circuit.

In order to provide a common line to the contact 25, the block 1 is provided with a common conductor element 26 which may be integral with the contact 25 and which is arranged with an interference fit in a notch 27 in the body. The common conductor element 26 extends entirely through the body from one end face of the body to the other, and has its outer ends in the form of outer contacts 28 which are exposed for electrical conducting contact with corresponding outer contacts 28 of adjacent blocks. The outer contacts 28 are slightly convex outwardly so as to provide for the yielding spring contact with those of adjacent blocks.

Referring next to the pilot lights 20, each pilot light comprises a translucent or transparent body 30 having an insulating base 31, and carrying a bulb filament 32. The terminals of the filament are connected to external contacts 33 and 34 arranged alongside the outer opposite faces of the body 30. The body extends above the upper end of the contacts 33 and 34 and at its upper end carries a suitably colored cap 35. The pilot light is inserted into the slot end 31 foremost and the contacts 33 and 34 positioned to engage with the contacts 22 and 25, respectively, in the socket under yielding pressure engagement as a result of the resiliency of the contact 22. Thus, by inserting the pilot light in the socket with the contacts properly aligned, the pilot light is automatically connected at one side to the connector 5 of the associated block, and at the other side to the common conductor element 26, which, in a row of blocks, provides a common conductor. In order to connect the elements 26 to the opposite line L of the power source, one of the blocks in the row, preferably the end block, has its connector 5 connected to the line L Instead of a pilot light being inserted in the socket of this end block, a metal contact plug 36 is provided. The plug 36 may be a solid piece of metal of proper size to be received under yielding pressure contact between the contacts 22 and 25. When so inserted, the plug 36 connects the connector 5 of the particular block to the common conductor element 26 thereof. Accordingly, when the blocks are assembled in a row and clamped firmly in side by side face to face relation as heretofore, the common conductor elements 26 are connected to each other through their outer contacts 28 and establish a common through conductor to which one terminal of each of the pilot lights can be connected by inserting the lights in their sockets. The opposite terminal in each instance is, of course, connected to the connector 5 of the particular block in which the pilot light is mounted.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that a very convenient arrangement is made for indicating the condition of circuits at the terminal blocks. From the pilot lights that have been shown, it is apparent that the plug-in connections carrying terminals of other types of devices responsive to the circuit condition may be plugged in to the sockets, or different types of indicating means can be plugged in different ones of the sockets, depending upon the type of indication, reading, or operation desired. For example, volt meters can be plugged in to determine the voltage across the contacts 22 and 25. If desired, two groups of such blocks can be used, each for a different side of the power source.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a possible circuitry employing the blocks is shown.

In FIG. 5, the blocks 1 are identical, and for convenience in reference are indicated as A through I, in-

clusive.

Each of the blocks B through I has one terminal of its connectors 5 connected to the line L Each has its other terminal connected to one terminal of the equipment of which the other terminal is connected to the line L Let it be assumed that there are four remote control motors, M through M respectively, to be energized by closing of the normally open contacts C through C respectively, of relays R through R In such instances, the normally open contacts C through C are connected between the line L and the connectors 5 of the respective blocks. The other terminals of these blocks are connected to the terminals of the motors M through M The other terminals of the motors M through M are connected in parallel to the line L The contacts C through 0., are

' controlled by energization of the relays R through R respectively. The relays R through R, are connected to terminals of the connectors 5 of the blocks B, C, D and B, respectively. Switches S through S are connected to the line L and the opposite terminals of the connectors 5 of blocks B, C, D and B, respectively. Thus, upon closing of any one of the switches S through S its associated one of the relays R through R, is energized, closing its associated contact and energizing the associated motor. Each of the blocks B through I carries a pilot light, as described. Block A, however, does not carry a pilot light, but the conducting plug 26. One of the terminals of its connector 5 is connected to the line L This connects its conductor element 26 to the line L thereby connecting all of the conductor elements 26 to the line L Consequently, when a circuit is closed through any of the switches S through S the pilot light of its corresponding block is lighted. The same is true upon closure of any one of the contacts C through C It is apparent from the foregoing that various types of circuitry employing the terminal blocks may be provided.

Having thus described my invention, we claim:

1. A terminal block assemblage comprising a support, a plurality of like individual terminal blocks detachably mounted thereon in a row in side by side relation, each block being insulating material, an electrical power connector carried by each block and insulated thereby from the connectors of the other blocks, each power connector having its opposite end portions exposed for access for connection to external power conductors when the blocks are assembled in the row, means cooperable with said exposed end portions, respectively, for thereby connecting the connector in a circuit with one terminal of a source of power, individual through conductor elements arranged one in each block and each insulated from the connector of its associated block, each conductor element having first and second contact portions, respectively, accessible from the exterior of the associated block in position to make electrical contact with complementary contact portions of like conductor elements of the blocks next adjacent to it in the row consequent upon the blocks being assembled in side by side relation in the row, thereby providing a composite through conductor common to all of the blocks when the blocks are so mounted in the row, electrically energizable devices carried by at least some of the blocks, respectively, each device having one terminal connected to the connector of its associated block and having its other terminal connected to the conductor element of its associated block, and means for connecting the conductor elements to the opposite terminal of the source of power.

2. The structure according to claim 1 wherein each block has a socket having walls and an outwardly facing opening, contact means for the connector and the through conductor element, respectively, are mounted in the block and have contact faces exposed in spaced relation to each other in the socket, and each of said electrically energizable devices includes a body portion detachably receivable in final position in the socket through said outwardly facing opening, and said one terminal and said other terminal of the device are arranged on said body portion so as to make contact with said contact faces of said contact means, respectively, when the said body portion is inserted into final position in the socket.

3. The structure according to claim 2 wherein the said outwardly facing opening of the socket of each block is at one edge of the block, a slit extends through the block from one of said sides to the other of said sides adjacent said one edge, said slit is open at said one edge and at said opposite side faces of the block and intersects the socket at one of said walls, said conductor element is elongated and extends endwise of, and is accommodated in, said slit with its midportion exposed in the socket and providing one of said contact faces of said contact means, and said conductor element first and second portions are disposed outwardly beyond the sides of the block and lying adjacent said opposite sides, said block having notch means at another of said walls of the socket opposite from said one of said walls and open at said one edge, and a second contact of said contact means is a conductor received in said notch means from said one edge and exposed in the socket, and having its innermost portion in contact with said connector,

4. The structure according to claim 2 wherein, an additional identical block is included in the row, said means for connecting the conductor elements to the opposite terminal of the source of power includes an electrical conducting plug inserted in the socket of the additional block and directly connected between the connector and through conductor element of said additional block, and means are provided for connecting the connector of said additional block to the said opposite terminal of said source of power.

5. The structure according to claim 4 wherein said devices of the blocks other than the additional block are pilot devices, power operated devices are connected, each at one of its terminals to said connectors of the blocks, respectively, other than said connector of said additional block, and the other terminals of the power operated devices are connected in a circuit with said other terminal of the connector of said additional block.

6. The structure according to claim 1 wherein the last mentioned means is a detachable short circuiting means in one of the blocks electrically connecting the connector and through conductor element of said one of the blocks.

7. A terminal block comprising a body of insulating material, means on the body for mounting it on a support, an electrical power connector in the body having first and second portions exposed for connection to external conductors, respectively, said body having a socket which has Walls and an outwardly facing opening, a first contact exposed in the socket and connected to the connector, a through conductor element mounted in the body and insulated from the connector and having outer contact portions exposed for access from the exterior of the body at opposite sides of the body, a second contact exposed in the socket in spaced relation to the first contact and connected to the conductor element, an electrical device having a portion with terminals thereon received in the socket and in the engagement with said first and second contacts in the socket, respectively, said outwardly facing opening being at one edge of the body, a slit extending through the body from one side face to the other side face adjacent said one edge, said slit being open at said one edge and at opposite side faces of the body and intersecting the socket at one of said walls, said conductor element being elongated and extending endwise of, and accommodated in, said slit with its midportion exposed in the socket and providing said second contact, and said first and second portions being disposed outwardly beyond the side faces of the body and lying adjacent said opposite side faces, said body having notch means at another of said walls of the socket opposite from said one of said walls and open at said one edge, and said first contact is a conductor received in said notch means from said one edge and exposed in the socket, and having its innermost portion in contact with said connector.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,111,574 9/14 Sebasco 339-18 2,821,691 1/58 Andre et a1 339l8 2,981,922 4/61 Van Valkenburg et al. 339-198 FOREIGN PATENTS 866,081 4/ 61 Great Britain.

NEIL C. READ, Primary Examiner. 

1. A TERMINAL BLOCK ASSEMBLAGE COMPRISING A SUPPORT, A PLURALITY OF LIKE INDIVIDUAL TERMINAL BLOCKS DETACHABLY MOUNTED THEREON IN A ROW IN SIDE BY SIDE RELATION, EACH BLOCK BEING INSULATING MATERIAL, AN ELECTRICAL POWER CONNECTOR CARRIED BY EACH BLOCK AND INSULATED THEREBY FROM THE CONNECTORS OF THE OTHER BLOCKS, EACH POWER CONNECTOR HAVING ITS OPPOSITE END PORTIONS EXPOSED FOR ACCESS FOR CONNECTION TO EXTERNAL POWER CONDUCTORS WHEN THE BLOCKS ARE ASSEMBLED IN THE ROW, MEANS COOPERABLE WITH SAID EXPOSED END PORTIONS, RESPECTIVELY, FOR THEREBY CONNECTING THE CONNECTOR IN A CIRCUIT WITH ONE TERMINAL OF A SOURCE OF POWER, INDIVIDUAL THROUGH CONDUCTOR ELEMENTS ARRANGED ONE IN EACH BLOCK AND EACH INSULATED FROM THE CONNECTOR OF ITS ASSOCIATED BLOCK, EACH CONDUCTOR ELEMENT HAVING FIRST AND SECOND CONTACT PORTIONS, RESPECTIVELY, ACCESSIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE ASSOCIATED BLOCK IN POSITION TO MAKE ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH COMPLEMENTARY CONTACT PORTIONS OF LIKE CONDUCTOR ELEMENTS OF THE BLOCKS NEXT ADJACENT TO IT IN THE ROW CONSEQUENT UPON THE BLOCKS BEING ASSEMBLED IN SIDE BY SIDE RELATION IN THE ROW, THERE BY PROVIDING A COMPOSITE THROUGH CONDUCTOR COMMON TO ALL OF THE BLOCKS WHEN THE BLOCKS ARE SO MOUNTED IN THE ROW, ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZABLE DEVICES CARRIED BY AT LEAST SOME OF THE BLOCKS, RESPECTIVELY, EACH DEVICE HAVING ONE TERMINAL CONNECTED TO THE CONNECTOR OF ITS ASSOCIATED BLOCK AND HAVING ITS OTHER TERMINAL CONNECTED TO THE CONDUCTOR ELEMENT OF ITS ASSOCIATED BLOCK, AND MEANS FOR CONNECTING THE CONDUCTOR ELEMENTS TO THE OPPOSITE TERMINAL OF THE SOURCE OF POWER. 